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SCAG is the nation's largest metropolitan planning organization, representing six counties, 191 cities and more than 18 million residents. SCAG undertakes a variety of planning and policy initiatives to encourage a more sustainable Southern California now and in the future.More About SCAG >

Los Angeles – Southern California faces “severe and long-lasting” economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, with Great Depression-level unemployment, supply chain interruptions and significant drops in taxable sales, according to an analysis from the nation’s largest metropolitan planning organization.

The report, prepared by analysts at the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), projects an annual unemployment rate for the six-county region of 19.3% in 2020, tapering down to 12.2% in 2021. The 2020 rate is particularly significant given that year started with unemployment averaging around 4% in January and February. In April alone, SCAG estimates job loss rates of 20% to 22% – a surge that surpasses the more gradual trendline during the Great Depression, when U.S. unemployment took more than three years to reach its peak of 24.9% in 1933.

The analysis also projects decrease in taxable sales of 26% to 38% in 2020 and 2021. In total dollars, those decreases would range from $178 billion to $264 billion, which could severely impact local municipal budgets that rely on sales tax revenues. The forecast models do not take into account the possibility of further waves of infection or the still-unclear impact of government spending on relief efforts.

The Trade Corridor Enhancement Program (TCEP) funds
infrastructure improvements on federally designated Trade Corridors of National
and Regional Significance, on California’s portion of the National Highway
Freight Network, and along other corridors that have a high volume of freight
movement. The 2020 Program will provide three years of programming in fiscal
years 2020-21, 2021-22, and 2022-23, for an estimated total of $1.392 billion
statewide. The funding target for the Los Angeles/Inland Empire regional
corridor is an estimated $484.4 million.

The nomination form will help validate basic project
eligibility. SCAG will also use the information provided to create a
cloud-based folder for uploading the electronic application (and any supporting
materials). To meet the application submittal deadline, SCAG is requesting that
a near final electronic copy of all applications be uploaded to the
SCAG-created project specific cloud-based folder by 5:00 PM July 20, 2020.

Please note that all final applications should be submitted
directly to the CTC (two hard bound copies and one electronic file) by 5:00 PM
August 3, 2020. We also ask that you upload final electronic file applications
to the SCAG-created project-specific cloud-based folder for our records.​

Take this short survey to share your input on the implications of Connect Socal considering the impacts of COVID-19. Your feedback will be used to update the Regional Council and inform how SCAG proceeds with implementing the long-range plan as well as other planning needs as identified through this process.

​Building an inclusive and equitable recovery strategy that addresses the health, social and economic challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic tops Rex Richardson’s policy priorities as the newly installed President of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG).

“Our communities are facing a crisis on three fronts: a public health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, an economic crisis with unprecedented levels of unemployment, and a social justice emergency as a result of longstanding racial inequities. The communities we serve are looking to SCAG for innovative and forward-thinking leadership,” Richardson said. “This is a moment that demands we redefine what ‘resiliency’ means for local government. In the weeks and months ahead, we have a unique opportunity to fundamentally change systems and processes to be more inclusive, equitable, and effective.”

Richardson, a Long Beach City Council member, was sworn in Thursday to lead the nation’s largest metropolitan planning organization after serving as SCAG’s First Vice President this past year. At 36, he is the youngest person to hold the office of President in the agency’s 55-year history. SCAG represents 191 cities, six counties, and a population of more than 19 million.

The Southern California Association of Governments is in receipt of the 2019 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) Amendment #19-20 for Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties. The Public Review period starts on May 19, 2020 and will conclude at 5:00 p.m. on May 28, 2020.

Please note that some of the changes or project additions may be for projects funded with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5307 funds. This public involvement opportunity is provided to meet the public involvement requirements for the program of projects.

SCAG is relying on the public participation process for the FTIP to satisfy FTA public participation requirements for the transit program of projects. The public notice of public participation activities and the time established for public review of and comments on the FTIP will satisfy the pop requirements of the Section 5307 program.

Subject to revisions to address comments received during the public review period, the 2019 FTIP as revised by Proposed Amendment #19-20 will be the final program unless amended, and a final notice will not be published.

If you have any questions or comments concerning this amendment, contact Pablo Gutierrez at (213) 236-1929 no later than 5:00 p.m. on May 28, 2020.